Anzac Day is fast approaching. It is one of the most revered days in Australia. Whether you head to the Dawn Service, your local memorial events, view the Anzac Day March and the laying of the wreaths or take the time to listen to the stories told by a returned veteran, most of us will be taking some time to think about the soldiers and fallen soldiers who have helped to shape our great nation and ensured the continuance of the wonderful lifestyle we all enjoy today.
Yet it is not always easy for returning soldiers to slot back in to civilian life. CEO of ‘Survive to Thrive Nation’ Dane Christison knows this well and as a former soldier himself he has been working tirelessly to support our veterans with many programs to help make the transition easier. Helping Our Diggers This Anzac Day ‘Survive To Thrive Nation’ will be teaming up with the historic Osbourne Hotel and the Newstead Brewing Company Co. to mark this special day.
Tributes will be paid to Diggers past and present, with the hotel also working to support the families of Australian Defence servicemen and women. Newstead Brewing Co have donated a Karma Keg which will be tapped on the day to raise funds. All money raised will be donated to Australians and their families who are dealing with PTSD.
Of course, a bit of Two Up will also be played. Dane says the idea for ‘Survive To Thrive Nation’ was born from his personal experiences coming home from Iraq, “PTSD was one thing, but the transition back to civilian life came with its own complications.”
What does Survive To Thrive Nation Do? The organisation offers the Post War Strive To Thrive Program, the world’s first online Mental Health and Transitioning Success coaching program that provides peer support and mentoring to service families and first responders. For every $1000 raised, Survive To Thrive enrolls a veteran onto the program with 24 hour access to National peer support.
They also educate and facilitate personal development to assist in overcoming the horrific effects of PTSD, which are not only felt by the soldiers but impact their families as well. The ‘Two Up For A Hand Up’ initiative will be held on Anzac Day, 25 April at The Osbourne Hotel, corner of Ann and Constance Street, Fortitude Valley. It will begin at 12 and will be open until late.
Well done Dane, this just shows the power of one to change the lives of many. Did I forget to mention I knew Dane as a little boy and have been watching this outstanding young man help returned soldiers through initiatives such as, organising personal training sessions to help returned servicemen and their mental health, reaching out to governments to expand these programs and gain funding nationwide and at the grassroots level procuring computers for servicemen who have no access to the program. To learn more head to the ‘Survive To Thrive Nation’ Facebook or Instagram page to find out how you can support this wonderful initiative or why not head to The Osbourne for a coldie, some Two Up and a chance to meet and give a hand to some of our Diggers. You can’t get more Australian than that. Lest we forget.
For more information on Survive to Thrive Nation click here.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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